<p>Parts of this post are reposted from the CMU thread. I am reposting here and I hope it is useful for someone else. Some info relates specifically to CMU, some is applicable to all programs.</p>
<p>We did quite a bit of early shopping last summer for CMU. I was a little panicked because the dorm stuff did not seem to be out in full force so early. But, Ishouldn't have panicked. We could have bought everything we shipped near campus. I wish we had waited to get these things when we got there, the stress level of preparing would have been less! </p>
<p>We shipped two boxes from Chicago, (we flew rather than drove because we found $29 flights! cheaper than gas!) and wanted his things to be there when he arrived. However, as others have noted, the postoffice was closed and it was rather awkward for my son to collect his boxes during his first day of classes, and carry them to the dorm. We arrived early on Saturday and went to the local Target, 15 minutes from campus. The Target had several parent teen groups as Pitt started it's summer program at the same time. They had plenty of sheets, towels, lamps etc to choose from! Though remember I have a son, and he wasn't TOO picky </p>
<p>He had two sets of sheets, two sets of towels, two fans, one for the window and and rotating one to point straight at him, a spray bottle for cooling also, toiletries, a hamper, cleaning supplies, -- hah! you say? Well, they were used, and they wanted more paper towels! I have the full list somewhere, if you need it I can post or pm it. The room was hot!! It was on the northwest side, not too much sun, a corner so plenty of windows, third floor. The floors were carpeted, so you won't need a rug, the windows have Venetian blinds, so you don't really need curtains. He did bring posters, and photos. Bring extension cords, and power strips. (chargers for cell phones, i-pods, lamp, fans, computer if you bring one, alarm clock, etc.) </p>
<p>I'll dig out the list if you want... let me know. And know this, it will be a great summer!</p>
<h2>This is the list I packed and emailed to my son last summer for CMUs pre-college program. It contains directions for my son to repack the box at the end.</h2>
<p>Break all boxes down by cutting tape, and store boxes for return, perhaps behind desk. Be sure to refill boxes the same way, use clothing to pad empty space, if things move in the boxes, they will break, and break the box open.</p>
<p>Large box 36x12x12
Small ironing board (my son likes his shirts pressed, and DID use it!)
Iron, cool, dry, empty and in a plastic bag
Iron cleaner, in case you scorch something
Spray bottle for iron
Dust buster, with base and 3 attachments
Dust wipes, cleaner wipes
First aid kit
Bed risers did not need, bed height was adjustable
Posters in tube
Poster putty
Sewing kit
3 dozen hangers (remember the ironed shirts!)
Rope lights for ambiance, clear
2 hand towels
1 bath towel</p>
<p>Smaller box 24x12x12
1 bath towel
Clip on light for the bed, white
Desk light, clear halogen (some school dont allow halogen at all) actually, as an actor, he barley used his desk
Egg crate cushion
Mattress pad
Two sets sheets, (2 each of fitted, top and pillow case)
Lightweight Quilt
2 extension cords
Power strip - should have two, the chargers are big and take up extra space
Shoe organizer to hang in closet, silver, gives extra compartments for storage</p>
<h2>Collapsible hamper</h2>
<p>Purchased at Target near campus: two fans, cases of water, forgotten toiletries, snack food (fruit/granola/power bars, dried fruit, nuts, etc) for the room -- the cafeteria closes at 7, and the kids are used to snacking, general office supplies, paper clips, stapler, pens, notebooks - these are available at the bookstore, but the price is steep. </p>
<p>In his suitcase he brought his alarm clock, toiletries and clothing, (too many jeans! Its still a joke here), one dress outfit, for interviews, dinner and other outings - a girl would bring more! Dont forget dress shoes, belt and sox! His carryon had plays, books, piano music, etc. Dont forget assorted chargers. He did not bring a computer, he relied on the computer station in the dorm, and it was fine. He asked for us to send an assortment of DVDs as the kids watched movies most nights. He also needed money added to his card during parents weekend. We had heard that no refunds were given, but we did receive a check a few months later refunding our extra monies.</p>
<p>Carole</p>